When starting a nonprofit in the greater Chicago area, there are a number of complex laws, regulations, and tax-exempt status requirements that need to be considered when submitting for a 501(c)(3) application. To navigate the ins-and-outs of the 501(c)(3) process, it’s important to enlist the support of professional and experienced counsel.

To make the filing of the 501(c)(3) application process smoother and stress-free, here are 5 key factors to consider when looking for legal counsel in the Chicago area.

1. Locate a Law Firm That Focuses on Nonprofits

The first step of any 501(c)(3) application process is to locate a law firm that specifically services the nonprofit sector. Not all firms have experience in nonprofit law, and even fewer are devoted practice areas of nonprofit law. Finding an experience law firm that specializes in nonprofit tax law allows nonprofit organizations to trust that their legal counsel is well-versed in the complexities of 501(c)(3) applications.

2. Look for a Firm with Substantial Coverage of Local Law

In addition to finding a firm that specializes in nonprofit law, it is important to consider the coverage of the firms. Different cities, counties, and states have different laws related to forming a nonprofit and filing for a 501(c)(3) application, so having a lawyer in the Chicago area with a deep understanding of local law is critical.

3. Choose a Firm with a Trusted Reputation

Since the 501(c)(3) application process requires a significant level of trust and cooperation between nonprofits and their counsel, it is important to find a law firm with a trusted reputation. A great way to gauge a law firm’s reputation is to look for a firm that has repetitively filed 501(c)(3) applications successfully as well as a significant track record in and out of the courtroom. Customers who have previously worked with the firm can also provide great insight into the expertise and trustworthiness of the firm.

4. Obtain An Estimate of Time and Cost

Any 501(c)(3) application will require a level of time and financial investment. Establishing a timeline and budget for how to tackle the application process can help reduce potential headaches and pitfalls along the way. Once you have identified some potential law firms to hire, ask them to provide a detailed estimate of expected time and resources needed to complete the application and relate them to estimated costs.

5. Research the Attorney’s Credentials

Having an attorney with the necessary skills and experience is one of the most important considerations when filing a 501(c)(3) application. It is important to check the background information of the attorney assigned to your application and make sure they are up-to-date on the latest nonprofit regulations, as well as court decisions that may affect your application process. Additionally, researching the attorney’s qualifications, such as where they received their law degree, what other cases they have handled and any special certifications they hold, can provide greater gifts to entrust the attorney with handling your application.

Overall, it is important to actively research legal counsel when filing a 501(c)(3) application on the local level in the Chicago area. By considering these factors, and connecting with an experienced legal counsel, navigating the application process should be simpler and more straightforward.

Topics:

501c3,

Chicago,

Law Firm